화농성 척추염과 관련된 양안 시신경부종

Abstract

Purpose: To report an uncommon case of bilateral optic disc edema as a complication of cervical pyogenic spondylitis.

Case summary: A 48-year-old male patient was diagnosed with C2 spondylodiscitis with direct extension from a retropharyngeal abscess. He had received intravenous nafcillin for coverage against methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus. After 3 weeks, he complained of blurred vision in both eyes. Fundus examination showed bilateral optic disc swelling with peripapillary flame-shaped hemorrhages, radiating hard exudates at the papillomacular area. After 8 weeks of continuous antibiotic therapy, the patient recovered slowly.

Conclusions: Involvement of the bilateral optic nerve with the cervical pyogenic spondylitis is uncommon. If a patient with the cervical pyogenic spondylitis complains of blurred vision or other ocular symptoms, ophthalmologists and neurologists should be aware of ocular complications.